Citizens on Patrol - Okotoks

Citizens on Patrol - Okotoks (COPO) is a group of local citizens that volunteer to participate in a community based crime reduction/prevention program in partnership with the RCMP in a passive role. Currently, there are around 60 active C.O.P. groups operating in Alberta.

Member of the group teams up with another member once a month to patrol our town in a personal vehicle to observe, document, and report suspicious, dangerous, and/or unusual activities within the community to the RCMP. COPO activities serve not only to inform citizens of the town that additional eyes and ear are patrolling for their safety, but also to serve as a deterrent for would be criminals. We don’t fight crime – we are the eyes and ears of our community to make it safer.

COPO is always looking for new members with a passion to serve our community. Members range in age from mid 20's to 60's. We have frequently have young members join COPO with the thought of applying to the RCMP or other police agencies that appreciate those that 1) volunteer in the community and 2) have gained some basic experience in policing observation, documentation, and reporting.

Those interested in becoming a member of COPO are required to be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and to fill out an application that goes to the local law enforcement where a security check takes place. Once cleared, a member of COPO will contact you. New members then go through an initiation program and are then trained in the field by seasoned OCOP members in observation, documentation, and reporting.